BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM

Departmental Set-up Costs

Gareth Thomas: Further to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Fareham (Mr. Hoban) on 18 February 2008, Official Report, column 381W, we said that the costs incurred in setting up the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform were £218,063. These costs included stationery, rebranding and IT changes, including revised email addresses, new signage, web-based changes, new logo and print costs and the anticipated cost of branding guidelines. This figure is also quoted in my letter of 26 November 2007, to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Susan Kramer). A copy of this letter was placed in the Libraries of the House.
	Those costs included an estimate of £24,000 for the costs of producing branding guidelines, which had not been completed at the time. These branding guidelines have subsequently been completed: the final costs were £20,000. Therefore, the final total costs are £214,063.
	My noble Friend Baroness Vadera, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Competitiveness is today answering a written question from Lord Barnett which updates the original costs as above.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Veterinary Products Committee

Jonathan R Shaw: My noble Friend Lord Rooker has received the annual report of the Veterinary Products Committee and its sub-committees for 2007, which has been published today.
	Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
	I am glad to acknowledge the valuable work done by the distinguished members of the Veterinary Products Committee and its sub-committees and thank them for the time and effort dedicated in the public interest to this important work.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

General Affairs and External Relations Council  (26-27 May)

Jim Murphy: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence and the Minister with responsibility for veterans, my hon. Friend the Member for Halton (Derek Twigg), the Under-Secretary of State for International Development, my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas), Kim Darroch (UK Permanent Representative to the EU) and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels.
	The agenda items covered were as follows:
	General Affairs
	Preparation of the European Council on 19-20 June 2008
	Foreign Ministers considered the annotated draft agenda for the European Council meeting to be held in Brussels on 19 and 20 June. The Government approve of the Presidency's priorities for discussion, which will include: policy implications of high food and fuel prices; implementation of the millennium development goals; measures in the areas of freedom, security and justice; economic, social and environmental issues; a progress report on ratification of the Lisbon treaty. The Council will also discuss the situation in the Western Balkans, and external relations (including enhancement of the Barcelona process ("EuroMed") and the eastern dimension of the European neighbourhood policy).
	Ministers will carry out more detailed preparatory work for the European Council when they meet on 16 June.
	Russia
	Foreign Ministers approved the negotiating mandate for a successor to the current partnership and co-operation agreement with Russia, which the Government welcome as a positive step forward for EU-Russia relations.
	External Relations
	Western Balkans
	The Council adopted conclusions that welcomed Serbian voters' strong support for pro-European parties at the 11 May elections; hoped that the new Government would engage constructively with the EU in advancing Serbia towards candidate status, by meeting the necessary conditions; and looked forward to the signature of Bosnia and Herzegovina's stabilisation and association agreement at the June GAERC.
	I said that if a pro-European Government were formed in Serbia, we would clearly want to sustain our commitment to that country's European path. But we would also need to be clear about our expectations of that Government.
	Somalia
	The Government agreed Council conclusions expressing the EU's concern at the security situation in Somalia, in particular its impact on human rights and humanitarian relief efforts; calling upon all parties to refrain from violence and seek to resolve conflict through the political process; welcoming the Transitional Federal Government's moves towards reconciliation with its domestic and external opponents; supporting the work of the UN and the African Union mission to Somalia (AMISOM); and condemning instances of piracy off the Somali coast.
	Zimbabwe
	The Council adopted conclusions, which the Government support, which noted the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's decision to hold a second round of elections on 27 June; condemned the campaign of violence and intimidation against opposition supporters since the first round; called upon the Government of Zimbabwe to respect human rights and promote conditions conducive to free and fair elections, in keeping with international standards.
	Middle East Peace Process
	On Lebanon, the Council agreed conclusions welcoming the 21 May Doha agreement and the election of President Suleiman, as steps that would enable democratic institutions to resume functioning properly following a lengthy period of instability; commending the Arab League's role in brokering the Doha agreement; and deploring the recent violence in Beirut.
	On the MEPP, Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the Annapolis process; expressed concern at Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; condemned the firing of rockets into Israel from Gaza; and called upon Israel to ease restrictions on movement and access in the West Bank.
	The Government welcome these conclusions, and in particular Ministers' decision to expand the EU police training mission (EUPOL COPPS) in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
	WTO/PDA
	Commissioner Mandelson updated Ministers on the Doha development agenda (DDA). The UK emphasised the strategic importance of a deal on the DDA, for the EU, the developing world and the global economy as a whole. We also called upon EU partners to support the Commission's efforts to negotiate a successful outcome for the EU.
	Iraq
	Sweden briefed Ministers on the international compact with Iraq (ICI) conference in Stockholm on 29 May, which the Council welcomed as a reflection of the EU's commitment to support Iraq. The Commission gave an update on its assistance to the Government of Iraq and Council conclusions set out details of further support and assistance that the EU will deliver.
	I underlined the recent positive developments in the political and security situation, and called upon EU partners to use the Stockholm conference as an opportunity to set out how we proposed to assist the Government of Iraq to consolidate and build upon that progress.
	Georgia
	Foreign Ministers adopted conclusions that welcomed the peaceful conduct of the 21 May elections; called upon the Georgian authorities to address the remaining shortcomings identified by OSCE election observers; emphasised the need for dialogue between the Government and opposition; and reiterated the EU's serious concern at the recent events that have increased tension between Georgia and Russia.
	I said that it was important for the EU to make clear its commitment to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
	Joint Session of Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers
	Conclusions were agreed under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) on current operations and missions, capability development including the European Defence Agency, and co-operation with strategic partners.
	Afghanistan
	In their conclusions, which the Government welcome, Foreign and Defence Ministers decided to increase substantially the contribution through the EU police mission, with the aim of doubling its size; underlined the need to strengthen further the fight against corruption and drugs, and introduce local self-government; and looked forward to the Paris donor conference on 12 June.
	I emphasised the need for closer EU-NATO cooperation on the ground, and for the Paris conference on Afghanistan to deliver, along with a commitment from the Afghan Government to take responsibility for its own development, a commitment from the international community that it would support this by delivering assistance in support of the Afghan Government's national development strategy.
	Children and Armed Conflict
	The Presidency highlighted progress on this issue. In their conclusions Foreign and Defence Ministers welcomed a study by the European Centre for Development Policy Management which set out concrete proposals for future action, as well as a review of, and amendments to, the Council document "Checklist for the Integration of the Protection of Children affected by Armed Conflict into ESDP Operations", particularly emphasising the aim to further enhance its implementation on the ground.
	Defence Ministers
	ESDP Operations
	Foreign and Defence Ministers discussed the progress of the ESDP missions in Chad/Central African Republic (EUFOR Tchad/RCA) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR ALTHEA).
	Capabilities
	Defence Ministers welcomed progress made in formulating the capability development plan and discussed European military capabilities, focusing on the use of EU Battlegroups in crisis management operations.
	My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence emphasised the continuing success of the Battlegroups initiative in helping the transformation of member states' armed forces towards modern expeditionary capabilities. He also welcomed the recent improvement in the use of the EU-NATO capability group.
	European Defence Agency
	High Representative Solana presented a report on EDA activities. Defence Ministers welcomed the EDA's achievements.
	The EDA steering board also met in Defence Ministers' formation on 26 May. Ministers agreed to recommend that the November Council postpone the agreement of the three-year financial framework for one year. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence advertised the UK-France helicopter initiative that was announced at the recent UK/France bilateral summit, and called for member states' support.
	Development Ministers
	Burma
	Commissioner Michel briefed Development Ministers on his recent visit to Burma. The Council agreed conclusions supporting the UN's role in response to Cyclone Nargis; welcomed the decision of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on 19 May to establish a mechanism for delivering and distributing aid inside Burma; and noted the outcome of the international conference in Yangon on 25 May 2008 co-sponsored by the UN and ASEAN and the commitment of the Burmese regime to participate in the UN/ASEAN mechanism agreed at the conference.
	My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for International Development. the hon. Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas) highlighted UK efforts to date and emphasised the need to build momentum on the back of the 25 May conference; to maintain pressure on the regime to deliver; to encourage influential ASEAN member states to do more; and for the EU to come good on pledges of assistance. He also noted that long-standing political concerns with the Burmese regime remained and underlay the problems faced.
	Rights of the Child in External Action
	Development Ministers agreed conclusions welcoming the Commission communication "A Special Place for Children in EU External Action"; and affirming the importance of a comprehensive and integrated human rights-based approach towards the promotion and protection of the rights of the child, encompassing all areas of EU external action.
	Women and Armed Conflict
	Development Ministers had an exchange of views based upon a study prepared by the Presidency, which called for a comprehensive EU approach to the issue and more specific cross-cutting EU action.
	Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS,Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)
	Ministers discussed the performance of the (GFATM) over dinner.
	The EU as a global partner for development: speeding up progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
	Commissioner Michel gave an assessment of the EU's performance against Overseas Development Aid (ODA) volumes and set out the Commission's views on how to accelerate progress towards achieving the MDGs. The Council adopted conclusions, which the Government welcome, strongly reaffirming their commitment to achieve a collective ODA target of 0.56 per cent. GNI by 2010 and 0.7 per cent. GNI by 2015, as set out in the May 2005 Council conclusions, the June 2005 European Council conclusions and the European consensus on development.
	The conclusions also state that the EU will prepare an EU agenda for action on the MDGs for the June European Council. This agenda will identify specific milestones and actions on key areas that will help contribute to achieving the MDGs by 2015. The Government strongly support this approach.
	Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
	Commissioner Mandelson gave Ministers an update on EPA negotiations. The Council agreed conclusions that confirmed the EU's commitment to further negotiations and implementation of the EPAs.
	Rising food prices and food security in developing countries
	Development Ministers held an informal discussion over lunch, attended by the directors of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
	My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for International Development, the hon. Member for Harrow, West (Mr Thomas) encouraged the FAO to make further efforts at internal reform, so as to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.

HEALTH

NHS Foundation Trusts

Ben Bradshaw: The chairman of Monitor—the statutory name of which is the Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts—announced last week that, in accordance with section 35 of the National Health Service Act 2006, Monitor has decided to authorise the following NHS acute and mental health trusts as NHS foundation trusts from 1 June:
	North East London Mental Health NHS Trust;
	United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust; and
	Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
	Monitor's announcement brings the total number of NHS foundation trusts to 99. A copy of Monitor's press notice has been placed in the Library.
	The Government remain committed to offering all NHS acute and mental health trusts the opportunity to apply for foundation status as soon as practicable. Monitor is now authorising trusts on a monthly basis, and further waves of NHS foundation trusts are set to follow.

NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy

Ivan Lewis: The Government launched on 29 May 2008 a consultation exercise on the National Health Service carbon reduction strategy.
	The NHS is Europe's largest employer with 1.3 million people, or 5 per cent. of the United Kingdom workforce, and is often the largest single employer in each of the regions of England. Given its size, the NHS in England is responsible for nearly 3 per cent. of UK carbon dioxide emissions and 30 per cent. of public sector emissions.
	In the ten years from 1990 to 2000, the NHS successfully reduced its building energy use by 20 per cent. As part of the Government's climate change programme 1998-99, some early targets on NHS carbon reduction from building energy use were set for NHS trusts to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.
	The NHS has already made good progress, but there is still much to be done. In the ten years from 1990 to 2000, the NHS successfully reduced its building energy use by 20 per cent.
	The strategy recognises that the NHS has done much good work in increasing its sustainability, but also recognises that much more can be done.
	The purpose of the strategy is to:
	increase understanding about the NHS contribution to climate change and the immediate and long-term benefits to healthcare that can be gained from actively managing carbon emissions;
	establish board level leadership on carbon reduction in the NHS; establish stretching, but achievable, measures for carbon reduction; describe proposed national, regional and local action to support carbon reduction;
	give practical evidence-based and systematic advice on the means to improve the sustainability of NHS operations by evaluating and sharing good practice; and
	provide a framework to monitor, evaluate and report progress, and ensure policy promotes a low carbon NHS.
	The core of this strategy is action. It has highlighted the ten achievable, practical and sustainability-improving actions to win. The top ten actions are:
	the use of high quality information to help predict different possible trajectories of NHS carbon emissions—an NHS carbon model—to measure progress towards objectives, identify milestones, and guide action;
	a board-approved carbon management strategy for all NHS organisations by 2009;
	a proposed extension of the energy fund to improve energy efficiency of the existing NHS estate;
	all our new buildings to be low carbon by 2015 and meet our ambition of zero carbon by 2018;
	a board approved sustainable travel plan for all NHS bodies by 2010;
	a target for better waste management to be created and met;
	sources of carbon emissions to be cut by improving procurement of goods, services and equipment;
	the pricing of carbon at an appropriate level within the NHS in England;
	the development and implementation of more effective incentives and policies to support and stimulate real progress on sustainable development; and
	all NHS organisations to report annually on a key metric as a part of a simple scorecard of sustainable development indicators, to be considered for performance purposes.
	The strategy is the first product of the new NHS sustainable development unit. It forms the first step of a sustainable development programme for the NHS.
	Based on the feedback from the consultation responses, expected by 21 August, it is intended that the strategy will be published in the autumn.
	"Saving Carbon, Improving Health, a Draft Carbon Reduction Strategy for the NHS in England—a Consultation Document" has been placed in the Library and copies are available to hon. Members from the Vote Office.

Health and Social Care

Alan Johnson: The Department is launching a consultation today on proposals for five essential elements of a long-term strategy to support volunteering in health and social care. The consultation document has been placed in the Library and copies are available for hon. Members in the Vote Office.
	A volunteering strategy will articulate the key actions needed to address the perceived obstacles to making a refreshed vision for volunteering in health and social care a reality. Informed by the consultation process, the proposed strategy will provide a framework through which to pursue long-term organisational and culture change across the whole system to support volunteering more effectively, in relation to:
	individual volunteers;
	effective management within organisations;
	commissioning environment and infrastructure; and
	promoting partnership and leadership across the public and third sectors.
	The strategy will build on existing best practice and build partnerships for sustained involvement of volunteers through an increasingly diverse range of services in statutory and non-statutory settings. It will provide the basis for more coherent national investment by the Department, to improve the strategic impact of volunteering, for the benefit of patients, carers and service users.
	The consultation will run until 30 September 2008, with a view to my Department setting out a final strategy and implementation plan early in 2009.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Tackling Extremism

Jacqui Smith: Local communities working in partnership with their local authorities, police, education institutions and others, are at the heart of stopping people becoming or supporting violent extremists. Today my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the Secretary of State for Justice and I have published detailed guidance to organisations actively to assist them with their work.
	This guidance is supported by activity and funding from across government, including £12.5 million to be spent to counter violent extremism and identify and support those individuals at risk across a range of key sectors, including in prisons, among youth offenders, and through community and police-led projects.
	Our aim is to improve the long-term security of the United Kingdom. This work complements the action that the security agencies are taking to disrupt those who represent an imminent threat. Along with "The Prevent Strategy: Stopping People Becoming or Supporting Terrorists and Violent Extremism, a Guide for Local Partners", we are also publishing "Preventing Violent Extremism: A Strategy for Delivery", which summarises the strategic framework and key priorities.

Report by the Independent Monitor for Entry Clearance Refusals with Limited Rights of Appeal

Jacqui Smith: I am today laying before Parliament a copy of the report by Mrs. Linda Costelloe Baker, the independent monitor for entry clearance refusals with limited rights of appeal, covering the period 1 April to 30 September 2007. A copy is also being made available on the UKBA website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk, together with the UK Border Agency's response to the independent monitor's recommendations.
	I am most grateful to Mrs. Costelloe Baker for this thorough and positive report based on the 824 sample cases which she has reviewed for the period 1 April to 30 September 2007.
	In the report, Mrs Costelloe Baker comments that "UKvisas has managed a huge programme of business change, holding on to principles of fairness and good service in the face of a strong 'controls' agenda. It sets itself high standards and deserves the praise and awards it receives for its successes".
	Mrs. Costelloe Baker also makes a number of constructive recommendations as to how the UK Border Agency can continue to improve the quality of decision making, customer service and complaint handling. The UK Border Agency welcomes these comments and is keen to use these recommendations to drive up the quality of its service to customers whilst maintaining a high level of immigration control.
	I wish to record our thanks to Mrs. Costelloe Baker for the work and effort she has put into producing this her third report as independent monitor for entry clearance refusals with limited rights of appeal. The independent monitor's next report will cover the period 1 October 2007 to 31 March 2008 and will be published in the second half of 2008.

INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS

EU Education Council

Bill Rammell: I represented the UK at Education Council, on behalf of DIUS and DCSF.
	Ministers adopted conclusions on multilingualism, noting that the Commission would produce a policy framework on this issue in the autumn. Ministers also adopted conclusions on adult learning that set out specific measures to be undertaken in this area by the Commission and the member states between 2008 and 2010. The text of the conclusions is in line with UK national priorities.
	The Council agreed a general approach on the European year of creativity and innovation in 2009. I stated that the UK supported the year but queried whether matched funding would be available for member states to undertake events as part of this initiative. The Commission confirmed that project funding would come from existing EU programmes. Ministers also discussed and adopted conclusions on promoting creativity and innovation through education and training. We strongly support these conclusions which note the importance of creativity and innovation for reaching Lisbon targets, and the need to develop innovative capacity in children from an early age.
	The Presidency provided an update on the decision to extend the Erasmus Mundus programme beyond 2009. The European Parliament is currently discussing this dossier, and the French presidency will take this forward with a view to reaching a First Reading agreement in the autumn.
	The Presidency noted the state of play between the Council and Parliament in the recast decision setting up the European training foundation. The Parliament has now rejected the Council's position regarding the composition of the foundation's governing board, so this dossier is likely to progress to a Second Reading.
	The Commission presented its proposals for two recommendations in the area of European vocational education and training: a credit system; and a quality assurance reference framework. These two proposals have recently been the subject of explanatory memoranda from the Government and will be subject to discussion by officials, with the aim of Ministers reaching an agreement at the next Education Council in November.
	The French Minister presented France's presidency priorities in the field of education: lifelong learning; enhanced co-operation in European vocational education and training; and youth mobility.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

International Agricultural Research Organisations

Douglas Alexander: I am today announcing the allocation of £150 million to support international agricultural research organisations. Of this, £130 million is allocated to the international research centres of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the balance to other international agricultural research organisations which complement the work of the CGIAR. By the end of the five year period this will represent an increase from the present £20 million per annum to £35 million per annum. Our funds will be spent on: developing new varieties of staple crops and livestock (including adaptation to climate change); developing new income opportunities for communities from high value commodities (fruits, vegetables, fisheries and forest products); conserving crop and animal biodiversity for future use; achieving the more sustainable management of water, land and forestry resources; and improving agricultural and food policies (including markets and trade).
	This is part of the £400 million DFID has already announced for agricultural research under DFID's new five year research strategy.

Burma Cyclone Nargis

Douglas Alexander: A month has passed since cyclone Nargis hit Burma on 2 May. While access has improved, the situation remains extremely grave. The UN continues to estimate that 2.4 million people have been directly affected by the cyclone and only 1 million of those have so far received any form of relief. Most of those who have been reached are in the most accessible and least badly affected regions. The official Burmese death toll is 78,000 and 56,000 missing. The threat of further deaths from infectious diseases and malaria is significant. Priority needs are food, shelter, clean drinking water and medical supplies.
	The delivery of relief goods is increasing. The UN air-bridge between Bangkok and Rangoon is operating. We estimate a total of 237 flights have arrived since the cyclone struck. The first of nine World Food Programme helicopters is now delivering aid supplies to the Delta region.
	The UK Government's priority has been, and remains, to ensure that relief reaches those who need it most. To this end, I attended the UN/ASEAN conference in Rangoon on 25 May at the personal invitation of the UN Secretary-General. The conference confirmed the importance of international aid workers being given necessary access to affected areas and the key role to be played by the ASEAN nations in facilitating the international relief effort.
	Since the conference there has been some improvement in access. No visas have been refused to UN or international NGO personnel in the last seven days. The Myanmar Red Cross has been able to scale up its operations substantially in the Delta. Five international medical teams from countries in the region are now providing support to national health care staff in the Delta. A DFID team managed to travel to the Irrawaddy Delta on 29 May.
	However, significant concerns remain. Visa extensions are being granted for only one or two weeks at a time; there have been restrictions on dates of travel and requirements that Government liaison officers accompany relief staff. There are still too few relief workers based in the Delta.
	The UK remains the largest single donor to the relief effort. We have contributed £7 million to the UN Flash Appeal; we have also channelled £6.7 million through international NGOs, including Merlin, MSF Holland and Save the Children. Our humanitarian team, which has been operating in Rangoon for three weeks, continues to play a crucial role in helping coordinate the overall aid operation.
	A total of 20 DFID-funded aid flights have now arrived in Rangoon, delivering plastic sheeting and blankets for 250,000 people, hygiene kits and flat-bottomed boats for use in the Delta. All these items have been consigned to the UN, NGOs and the Red Cross. We are also transporting 162,000 mosquito nets into Burma.
	In addition to our previous commitment of £17 million, I am today announcing a further £10.5 million, bringing our total contribution to £27.5 million. These additional funds will be channelled through the Red Cross, NGOs and local community-based organisations. As before, none of the UK's assistance will go through the Burmese regime.
	While the Government's immediate focus is to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the cyclone, this does not diminish our commitment to the restoration of accountable, democratic Government in Burma. It is an indictment of the Burmese regime that they proceeded with their constitutional referendum in the immediate aftermath of this natural disaster. The official results lack all credibility. I am also disappointed and saddened that the Government has once again ignored the international community and extended Aung San Suu Kyi's detention on 27 May.
	Millions of people remain in desperate need. Our priority remains to get assistance to those that need it. To do so, the regime's promises to the UN Secretary-General must be turned into action. Together with the UN, ASEAN and NGOs, the UK Government will be monitoring the situation closely in the days and weeks ahead.

TRANSPORT

Longer and Heavier Goods Vehicles

Ruth Kelly: The Transport Research Laboratory has today published a report, commissioned by my Department, on the subject of longer and heavier goods vehicles (LHVs). The report highlights a number of issues that make the implementation of large 25.25 metre LHVs—sometimes referred to as "super-lorries"—impractical either on a permanent or trial basis. I will therefore not be allowing them on UK roads for the foreseeable future.
	The following issues highlighted in the report have been influential in arriving at my decision:
	There is a risk (substantial in the case of 60 tonne super-lorries) of increased CO2 emissions and other environmental drawbacks due to modal shift from rail to road if these vehicles were to be permitted, which would also impact on the viability of existing rail freight services and the potential for future growth.
	There are serious implications for the management of the road network, as such vehicles would be unsuitable for many roads and junctions.
	Substantial investment—in the order of several billion pounds—would be needed to provide for junction improvements, the protection of bridge supports, and the provision of parking infrastructure for statutory rest periods, particularly if a new nationwide network of dedicated facilities is required.
	There is uncertainty about how efficiently such vehicles could be used, particularly when sourcing loads of sufficient size to make return journeys sustainable.
	Such vehicles would introduce new safety risks.
	It is not currently possible for us to mandate tougher safety or manoeuvrability standards that might address some of these issues because of European trade rules.
	The report does show, however, that there could be worthwhile benefits from permitting a modest increase in the length of current articulated vehicles. The Department will consider these further in the context of its on-going strategic work on freight, on which I expect to publish a summary of progress this summer.
	The report will help inform member states and the European Commission who are reviewing the rules on lorry sizes as part of the logistics action plan to improve the efficiency of transport and logistics in the European Union.
	Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of the House and can also be viewed at www.trl.co.uk.

Railway Heritage Committee

Tom Harris: I have today launched a public consultation on proposals to extend the scope of the Railway Heritage Committee. The public consultation, which will run until 5 September 2008, identifies three options to enable the Committee to extend its scope to railway related bodies that were overlooked or not in existence at the time of the original legislation. These options are:
	for legislation to remain the same;
	for railway related bodies to voluntarily agree to allow the Committee to designate their records and artefacts; or
	to add further organisations to the original list of bodies covered by the 1996 Railway Heritage Act.
	From previous discussions between the Committee and railway bodies, and a response to an informal questionnaire in March, there is a need for such bodies to be brought into the scope of the Committee to enable it to fully meet its statutory obligations.
	The consultation also seeks to update its membership to enable it to appoint an archivist. Current legislation restricts the Department's ability to attract suitable candidates and appoint members who do not meet the existing requirements of the Public Records Act 1958.
	Copies of the consultation have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.